Zimdailyjournal Reporter
Major telecommunications company NetOne has called on Zimbabwean corporates to invest in sports development and wellness programmes, saying stronger partnerships are needed to support athletes and promote healthier communities.
Speaking at the Zimbabwe Comrades Marathon Achievement Awards 2026, NetOne representative Rudo Vicente, who read the speech, said the private sector has a role to play in creating opportunities for emerging athletes and supporting Zimbabweans participating in international competitions.
The awards were held under the theme, “30 Years Strong – The Endurance to Go Further,” coinciding with NetOne’s 30th anniversary.
The company used the occasion to celebrate Zimbabwean athletes who competed in the 2026 Comrades Marathon in South Africa, with particular recognition for Nobukhosi Tshuma and Loveness Madziva, who finished second and sixth in the women’s race, respectively.
Tshuma clocked five hours, 53 minutes and 36 seconds, while Madziva completed the race in six hours, nine minutes and 54 seconds.
“Two Zimbabwean women among the top ten women in one of the world’s most celebrated ultramarathons is an achievement worthy of national recognition,” the NetOne representative said.
The 2026 race featured an 85.777-kilometre Up Run that tested athletes’ physical endurance and mental resilience.
NetOne said the athletes’ performances demonstrated Zimbabwe’s ability to compete internationally, adding that corporate support was essential to sustaining such achievements.
The telecommunications company also linked its partnership with the Comrades Marathon community to its broader corporate social responsibility agenda, particularly the promotion of health and wellness.
“A healthy nation is a productive nation. A healthy workforce strengthens organisations.
“Healthy communities strengthen economies,” the representative said.
The company said businesses should measure their contribution to society not only through financial performance but also through their impact on communities.
It called for more organisations to support running programmes, invest in emerging athletes and incorporate wellness initiatives into their workplaces.
“What if we deliberately supported promising endurance athletes from identification and development through to international competition?,” the representative asked, urging corporates to help establish a sustainable support system for Zimbabwean athletes.
The call comes as sports development requires support beyond individual competitions, including access to training facilities, coaching, medical support and resources to participate in international events.
NetOne said its partnership with the Zimbabwe Comrades community should extend beyond the awards ceremony to encourage wider participation in physical activity.
The company encouraged Zimbabweans to begin their wellness journeys at their own pace, saying participation in sport did not necessarily require taking on ultra-marathon distances.
“You do not need to run 85 kilometres to begin your wellness journey. Walk one kilometre. Run five.
“Take on ten. Attempt a half marathon,” the representative said.
As the company marks three decades of operations, it said its next phase would focus on innovation, inclusion and strengthening its impact on the communities it serves.
“Our next chapter must be defined by greater innovation, greater inclusion, deeper connection and an even stronger impact on the communities we serve,” the representative said.
NetOne also congratulated all Zimbabweans who participated in the Comrades Marathon, including those who did not finish, describing their willingness to take on the challenge as courage and determination.
The company urged other businesses to join efforts to support athletes, expand opportunities for young people, and promote healthier lifestyles across the country.
